Colombo new releases

Daniel Colombo, is a former bartender at Leo’s Wine Bar in Cape Town and has worked stints at both Crystallum locally and Matassa in France. He started his own label in 2021, his aim being to make wines that “challenge conventional thinking and light up the palate”. Tasting notes and ratings for current releases as follows:

White Blend 2023
Price: R295

59% Colombar from Paarl, 41% Muscat d’Alexandrie from Goudini.  Matured in old French oak. Wonderfully expressive aromatics of peach, citrus, dried herbs and floral perfume. Fresh and juicy on the palate with a saline finish – has a huge refreshment factor. Alc: 11%.

CE’s rating: 91/100.

Muscat d’Alexandrie 2023
Price: R295

Grapes from Citrusdal Mountains – farmed by the Laings and though they don’t know how old the vineyard is, they do know that when the first family member arrived in 1940, the vineyards were pre-existing. 14 days skin contact. The nose is wonderfully enticing with essence of grape, orange, honeysuckle, ginger and other spice while the palate is nicely structured – light bodied with lively acidity and just a bit of pithy texture. Alc: 12%.

CE’s rating: 92/100.

Syrah 2022
Pirce: R295
65% Elgin destemmed grapes, 35% Bot River grapes, fermented whole-bunch. Red and black berries, olive, a hint of fynbos, a touch of reduction, some meatiness, white pepper and other spice. Good fruit expression, moderate acidity and fine, lightly grippy tannins. Well balanced – immediately approachable but not at all facile.

CE’s rating: 93/100.

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